Create Openings First, Winners Second

Summary

Emma Cook’s short cue: stop hunting only winners. Build the point by creating openings first, then take the ball that the opening gives you.

That shift — construction over highlight-reel putaways — keeps you from forcing low-percentage attacks when the court isn’t open yet.

Key takeaways

• Create openings before hunting winners
• Point construction > forced putaways
• Take the ball the opening gives you

Action items

• One game: ban winner attempts until you’ve moved them at least once
• After each point, ask “did I create space or just swing?”